Just what is The Survival University? The website promises that TSU provides:
“ …excellence in outdoor education in a meaningful and engaging way that fosters confidence and resilience.” No wonder TSU is in the running for Best Adventure Company of Best of Teller County.
Founder, owner and lead instructor Jason Marsteiner started TSU in 2010 following a 20-year tech career that necessitated sitting behind a computer screen in a windowless room. The Colorado native was highly motivated to make a life-changing move and return to his roots as a wilderness survival instructor. Growing up in Cripple Creek, he and his family were constantly engaged in hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing in the surrounding mountains.
This childhood background molded Marsteiner into the entrepreneur, adventurer and teacher that he is today. He says that his father “pretty much taught me everything I know about being an outdoorsman. He laid the groundwork for it all.”
When Marsteiner was a teenager, his father died. This greatly impacted the decisions and direction of his adult life.
“People today are overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, largely due to our fast-paced, technology-driven world,” Marsteiner said. “Many feel a deep need to reconnect with nature, but don’t know how to do it safely.
“I wanted to provide a safe space for people to learn essential skills and rediscover the joy of the outdoors.”
TSU is so much more than courses in nature-appreciation and wilderness survival for mountain man/woman wannabes. The focus is on developing self-reliance, resilience and confidence while being in nature and wild locations. Participants often discover their leadership skills as they connect with natural surroundings.
Courses are inclusive regardless of age, gender, or skill level. Women-only wilderness survival skills training classes, and multi-day wilderness immersive retreats are taught by female instructors. Senior citizens are welcome, as well as multi-generational groups. Last year, a grandmother in her 70s and her teenage grandson participated in the 5-day Outdoor Survival Basics 101 course. TSU provides an excellent opportunity to go solo, or to connect with family and friends in a safe and welcoming environment.
Gaylene Golding, age 55, took the 3-day Wild Women Survival Skills Training course 2 years ago, and has taken several other classes since then.
“After my first class I felt so empowered as a person, and as a woman,” she said. “I learned skills that could save not only my life but the lives of other people.”
Once he retired, Brian Zwiger, age 57, engaged with TSU. His first course was the 5-day Outdoor Survival Basics 101. Since then, he has returned on a regular basis and recently completed the 50-day Wilderness Immersion Program, living in a primitive lean-to shelter that he built. The course ended with a 7-day survival challenge. He was dropped off in a wilderness area with only his clothing and a knife.
“You come out of there with a hell of a lot of experience. It might not be the most comfortable experience, but you won’t end up on the news,” Zwiger said..
What are the most common mistakes people make when venturing into wilderness territory? Marsteiner identifies over-confidence, and lack of communication as two major blunders. Ego can easily get in the way of safety.
“Plan for the worst, hope for the best,” Marsteiner said.
Appropriate gear is a must. Too many people head out for a day in the woods carrying only a bottle of water while wearing shorts, a tank top and sandals. Be prepared for changing weather. Research where you are going. Make a plan, stick to it and communicate your plan to someone who is not going with you. It’s always a good idea to have a companion, rather than going solo.
There are two beautiful campuses. The 80-acre Mountain Camp, located 1 mile north of Cripple Creek at 9,600 feet elevation, was formerly owned by Marsteiner’s father. It is a rustic, mountain paradise complete with well water, pavilions and portable toilets. The more rugged 4,500-acre River Camp sits at 7,500 feet and is located 12 miles south of Cripple Creek off Shelf Road.
With over 20 instructors and 60+ courses to choose from, at least 8,000 satisfied participants have engaged with TSU since 2010. The wide variety of available adventures ranges from a 1-day Mushroom Hunting 101 class to a 50-day Instructor and Wilderness Immersion Program. A great place to start, says Marsteiner, is with one of the popular 3-day or 5-day Outdoor Survival Basics 101 classes and to then add additional coursework over time to hone skills.
There is a choice of where to bunk or spend the night. Participants are welcome to bring a camper or RV (there are no hookups), sleep in their vehicle or tent, or even find accommodations in nearby Cripple Creek.
The experience is “not militant suffering,” but fun and welcoming for anyone seeking adventure, promises Marsteiner. Families, friend groups, kids and adults of all ages have the opportunity to benefit from involvement with TSU; to appreciate all nature has to offer, learn valuable skills, and boost resilience and self-confidence. Marsteiner adds: “After training with us, our students can more confidently venture out into wild places and focus on the fun without the constant worry of, ‘what if?’”
Check out thesurvivaluniversity.com for detailed information and course listings.
